This Deepavali, here's how to take the best photos on iPhone 17, 17 Pro

Apple's iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models support Dolby Vision HDR recording, 4K120 fps, ProRes Log, and support for ACES, which are good enough to make a professional short movie.

Last month, Apple unveiled the new line of iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models worldwide.

They come with big upgrades, particularly in terms of the new powerful A19 and A19 Pro chipsets, and they also feature advanced camera hardware with bigger sensors than the previous iterations. Be it a sun-lit environment or low-light conditions, they can capture the best possible pictures.

The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max boast of- all-new triple-camera module— 48MP Fusion Main sensor, a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide lens and a 48MP Fusion Telephoto lens with LED flash. They can capture HDR photos, support portrait, macro mode, and spatial videos for Vision Pro.

On the other hand, the standard iPhone 17 model houses a Dual Fusion camera system -- a 48MP Fusion Main sensor and a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide sensor with LED flash.

They are the best smartphones for video recording. They support Dolby Vision HDR recording, 4K120 fps, ProRes Log, and support for ACES, which are good enough to make a professional short movie.

Apple iPhone 17.

All the new iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max (and even iPhone Air) feature the all-new 18MP centre-stage FaceTime camera. It supports a wider field of view and higher resolution — up to 18MP for photos — to capture more detail. Users can also capture photos and videos in portrait or landscape while holding their iPhone vertically. For group selfies, Center Stage for photos uses AI to automatically expand the field of view and can rotate from portrait to landscape to include everyone in the frame. The Centre Stage front camera also enables ultra-stabilised video in 4K HDR, and users can now record on the front and rear cameras simultaneously with Dual Capture mode.

However, not all are familiar with the new photography features of the new iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models.

File Photo: People light 'diyas' during the Diwali/Deepavali festival celebrations at Lal Chowk, in Srinagar.

With Deepavali (Diwali) just around the corner, popular professional photographers Apeksha Maker , and Bobby Roy have shared tips on how to take the best photos with the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro series during the festival of lights.

But, first ensure the lens on the iPhone 17 series are clean. Even if you don't notice them, the devices with iOS 26, will be able to notify users of any dirt on the lens before you start taking photos or a video.

"The most important thing I always remind myself during Diwali is that photography is about making memories. The lights, the laughter, the family, the festival of lights is all about capturing the warmth around you, not just taking pictures," said Apeksha Maker, co-founder of Mumbai-based The House of Pixels.

Apple iPhone camera's photo sample with night mode on.

Here are some valuable tips from Apeksha Maker:

1) When you start shooting, try experimenting with Photographic Styles. You don’t need any editing apps for this. It changes the tone and contrast of your image right in-camera. My personal favourite is the Amber style because it gives the skin a lovely warm tone and adds the perfect balance of contrast for festive light. You can remove the style or change it after the photo is taken as well

2) For portraits, the 48MP telephoto lens on the iPhone 17 Pro is incredible. It offers a nice depth and compression, making your subjects stand out while softly blurring the background. It’s great for candid portraits and moments that feel intimate but still composed

Play with the light

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.

3) Light can truly define your photos, especially during Diwali. Play with existing light from diyas, candles, fairy lights, or even the shimmer from metallic fabrics and thalis. Look at where the light is coming from and angle your subject towards it. Warm light brings softness, while mixed light sources can add richness to your scene.

4) In low light, let the Night Mode kick in naturally rather than using flash. It keeps the warmth of the scene intact. For scenes with both bright and dark areas, keep Smart HDR on. It balances contrast beautifully so you retain detail in both the highlights and shadows.

5) For macro mode, move your phone close to your subject until the lens adjusts automatically. It’s perfect for capturing tiny details like the texture of a diya, the sparkle on jewellery, or the pattern on a sweet.

6) When it comes to video, shoot in 4K at 60 frames per second for sharp, smooth clips. If you want something more cinematic, switch to 24 frames per second, which gives that film-like motion.

Also, iPhone 17 Pro users can also play around with slow motion at 120 or 240 frames per second. It’s amazing for moments like sparklers flickering.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Here are tips from Bobby Roy :

Night Mode: Captures diyas and candles beautifully without blowing out the highlights.

48MP HEIF MAX: Try to bring out the fine textures of lights and festive decor by using the best quality that the iPhone 17 Pro/ Pro Max provides

Portrait Mode (2x/4x): You can surely use the Portrait mode for those perfect for soft, cinematic moments and pooja portraits.

Cinematic Mode: Also, use the beautiful cinematic mode for great Diwali clips,ike the lighting of diyas and other such beautiful moments.

Editing Tip: You can subtly increase warmth and vibrancy to achieve a golden Diwali glow in your iPhone photos.

Photonic Engine on all lenses: Thanks to the photonic engine on all lenses, the iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max handles low light effortlessly, keeping details and warmth intact.

Pro Tip: Try and keep the flash to the off setting. Then, lower the exposure for diya shots, and look for reflections.

Creative angle: Focus on the emotions; laughter, rituals, and light. Because that’s where the real Diwali magic lives.

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